Vegan shoes are getting much easier to find as consumers demand more high-tech materials in their footwear. Maybe the trend toward vegan-shoes isn’t exactly based on animal-friendly values, but lightweight, water-resistant synthetic fabrics are making shoe buying much easier for vegans. Here, we’ve listed some of the best vegan hikers for their purpose. Best Minimalist Vegan Shoes: Vibram Five-Finger KSOs and Sprints Both of these shoes are essentially the same shoe, but the KSO (Keep Stuff Out) is much better at keeping out fine dust and grit than it’s simpler (yet more attractive) cousin, the Sprint. The Five-Fingers get their name from the individual toe pockets in each shoe, allowing you to grip the ground the way that nature intended. Be prepared to step lightly: the lack of padding in the shoe necessitates walking like you’re tracking a herd of elk. Pro: super light (~11 oz per pair), machine washable, and you don’t need socks Con: not everyone wants to go barefoot, sock-free hiking = stinky shoesBest Lightweight Vegan Shoes: New Balance 1100 This trail runner also makes a great shoe for a day-hike on rocky terrain. It’s water resistant and has an elastic band at the top that keeps gravel from sneaking into the shoe. Super-sticky rubber helps you to keep your grip, no matter how wet or slippery the trail gets. These shoes are burly, tough, and have great midsole support and cushioning. Pro: keeps out dirt and keeps you from slipping and tripping Con: looks like a tankBest Waterproof Lightweight Vegan Shoe: Hurricane Ridge XCR by Montrail While this shoe is sold as a trail runner, its stiff sole makes it a much better contender in the hiking category. It’s very lightweight, and the GORTEX upper will keep your feet dry through countless puddles. Pro: waterproof and looks fierce Con: you’ll need to break them in for a month before the sole will bendBest Tough- Stuff Hiking Boot: Garmont Kiowa Vegan Hiker This 3/4 height hiker is very popular with just about every person. The same materials that make it light, comfortable and well ventilated also make it vegan. Pro: it’s a boot Con: it’ s a bootBest All Natural Boots: Nature Wear Organics MB02 Hemp Hiking Boots Getting a vegan hiker is not a problem, but reducing your petroleum consumption can be difficult when your only fabric choices are synthetic. These boots feature 100% organic hemp uppers that have been treated with an earth-friendly waterproofing agent. Hemp has natural anti-microbial properties that help keep the stink factor to a minimum. Pro: its all natural, its ethically and sustainably produced, and you can sleep easily knowing what a responsible person you are Con: be prepared for comments about your hippy status or “shoe smoking” Other Options and Advice: Some other options for finding vegan boots are through online vegan stores like Pangea or Vegan Essentials. More and more running shoes are vegan, so you are more likely to find vegan options in the burly-trail-runner category than in the hiking boot category. If you find a shoe you like, but don’t know if its animal-friendly status, email the manufacturer to find out if it is 100% vegan. Most outdoor gear companies have great customer service and will get back to you quickly.No matter how you find the shoe, make sure you try it on before buying, and if you have to order online, try to order from a company that has great return policies, such as REI or EMS, so that you can try out the shoe to make sure it will keep your feet happy for many miles. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society